What’s Next For Dan Hooker?

Dan Hooker has hit out at the UFC following a dispute over tickets for UFC 317, as we look at what is next for him.

Hooker traveled to Las Vegas to support Kai Kara-France, who was challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title. But before the event, Hooker’s tickets were unexpectedly revoked—something he didn’t take too well. The incident has left a sour taste for Hooker, who now says it will directly affect when he returns to the Octagon. He made it clear that he won’t be stepping in injured or trying to save fight cards anymore. Hooker also said he will return when he is healthy and only if the money is right.

“They canceled my tickets to Kai’s fight and then so it’s like, I’m going to rush back and fight injured for a company that’s going to cancel my tickets to the event when I’ve traveled all the way to Las Vegas. I would have fought injured, but then someone at a desk has crossed my name off a list.

“You work in the office, brother, I work in the—you think there would be a bit more respect there for guys who literally give their life. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears I’ve poured into putting shows on for that company, I thought there would have been a bit more respect there. But there’s not, which is cool, business is business. We can fight on my terms then… I’m not going to break my back for a company that doesn’t respect me,” Hooker said

Options

However, if Hooker manages to resolve his issues, he will then be targeting the biggest fights, having called out Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. Oliveira is coming off a decision loss to Ilia Topuria as he was knocked out, missing out on becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion. The first-round stoppage loss was a major setback with Oliveira admitting that he deviated from his gameplan.

Meanwhile, Arman is looking for his next big fight. After beating Oliveira at UFC 300, his career has stalled. He was on course to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but pulled out with an injury. Since then, the title has changed hands, as he is also chasing Ilia. However, if Hooker gets his way, he wants Charles and Arman. 

“Someone wake up Charlie Olives and tell him we fighting in November. On a side note, Armans a * and he can get it too, daddy’s home,” Hooker said